My name is Regina Mwangi, and I’ve always believed that dignity and compassion are the cornerstones of care. Living in Washington State, I saw firsthand how many seniors, especially those on Medicaid, were underserved—rushed through appointments, isolated, and treated like numbers. It didn’t sit right with me.
The idea of starting a non-medical home care agency wasn’t just about entrepreneurship—it was personal. I had spent years helping care for aging family members and neighbors. I knew the difference that genuine, patient care could make. That’s when a thought began to take root: What if I could build something better? What if I could create a place where care felt human again?
Searching for the Right Support
Like many others with big dreams, I started searching online for how to get started. The process seemed overwhelming—state licensing, compliance forms, Medicaid, insurance paperwork—it was hard to know where to begin. I contacted a few consultants, but their tone felt transactional, cold, and sales-focused. Then I found Consult Atlas Foundation—a nonprofit organization that helps everyday people start meaningful healthcare businesses. That changed everything.
When I connected with Bill, a consultant at Consult Atlas, I instantly felt supported. He didn’t just rattle off services or push a pitch—he asked me about why I wanted to start my agency. He listened. He understood that this wasn’t just a business move for me. It was a mission. That understanding made all the difference.
A Customized Plan That Honored My Work
At the time, I had already made progress: I had built my website, secured professional email addresses, and even done some SEO work. I told Bill this, hoping for flexibility—and I got more than that. He personally spoke with the CEO of Consult Atlas, who agreed to reduce the full-service fee to $5,500, as long as I could pay within 90 days of signing.
I was amazed—not just by the price reduction, but by how the team tailored the plan to my needs. This wasn’t a cookie-cutter solution. This was compassionate consulting, built for real people.
Step-by-Step, With People Who Cared
With Laura Domínguez managing my account, I always felt connected. She worked around my schedule, kept communication smooth across time zones, and made sure every meeting and milestone stayed on track.
The services from Consult Atlas covered every crucial area:
- Full support with Washington DOH licensing
- A custom-built Policies and Procedures manual
- Business plan guidance via donor partners
- Medicaid and private insurance application assistance
- Accounting setup and financial basics
- Affordable legal help for any future needs
Even better, I had access to their AGC platform—an AI-powered guide that made support available 24/7, giving me clarity whenever I felt stuck.
A Dream Realized
By spring of 2025, I had reached a major milestone: my agency was licensed. What began as a hope scribbled in a notebook had become a fully-formed, state-recognized business. I had built something of value, not just for me, but for my entire community.
Why I’m Sharing My Story
This journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth every step. I share my story so that anyone else out there with a calling to care knows this: you’re not alone. Consult Atlas gave me tools, guidance, and most importantly, belief.
If you dream of improving care and serving with heart and integrity, start now. There’s a team ready to help you, just like they helped me.
If they could help me, they can help you too.